Our local Member of Parliament had a sad and solemn duty today (Tuesday) in the House of Commons in Ottawa.
Rising under “Members Statements”, Cheryl Gallant officially informed her peers of the early morning crash of a CH-147 near Garrison Petawawa.
The training exercise was taking place at Garrison Petawawa along the Ottawa River, with the helicopter crashing into the water.
The MP advised elected representatives of the circumstances known as she spoke.
Gallant’s condolences to those involved and their families were extended on behalf of everyone in Canada.
“As the representative of the close-knit military community at Garrison Petawawa, we all feel the effects, whenever tragedy strikes any member of our military family.
To the members of the 450 Chinook Helicopter Tactical Squadron, and the families of the aircrew, the prayers and best wishes of all Canadians are with you at this time.”
The entirety of those MPs in attendance at the Tuesday session rose in a standing ovation to the chopper’s crew, their families, and the Garrison Petawawa community.
Later Tuesday afternoon, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed the suspected fatalities, however the names of the deceased, and of those recovering at Pembroke Regional Hospital have not been disclosed.
By Rick Stow